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If someone who out ranks you tells you to execute and perform a task should that lower enlisted Soldier ask "why"? Should you stop and explain? If we were deployed and being fired upon and that leader says "get down" are you going to need to explain "why" then?
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Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 56
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SFC Butler,
A junior enlisted should not be asking you "why" directly unless that soldier is questioning whether or not it is a lawful or unlawful order or you are in a training environment and even then it should be done with TACT. If none of those apply, that soldier needs to ask his or her first line leadership after they have performed the task given.
On the other hand, I do believe it is okay if one of your junior NCO's ask you "why" as long as its with TACT and not directly in front of junior enlisted so it doesn't appear too them in any way as if you are being challenged.
As I was coming up through the ranks E1 - E4, all in an infantry unit, I was never to directly approach my PSG about anything unless it was an emergency. Also, if I was told to do something by him, all that came out of my mouth was YES SGT and that was the end of it. If I didn't like it or thought it was wrong, I would take that to my squad leader or gripe amongst other junior enlisted but never would I dare to blatantly questions him.
Finally, I believe the issue is with that soldiers first line leadership as they are responsible for making sure that soldier knows and clearly understands common military customs and courtesies.
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Suspended Profile
When I was stationed in Fort Hood, TX my Battalion XO was filling in for the Commander and he gave us a speech prior to us deploying. He said if your leaders give you an order, I urge you to ask them "why?" Leaders, when your soldiers ask you why, tell them. Explain to them the reasons behind the decision because that little omission will likely help them become more motivated to execute the quicker. As leaders, if we issue an order it's on us to ensure our subordinates understand it. I'd much rather my guys/girls question why I'm giving an order rather than saying "roger" and screwing it up. Yes, there will be times where time is a huge factor and you cannot explain, but as a good leader, one should always find a time to explain things to your subordinates. It keeps the line of communication open and trust that your guys/girls will respect you a lot more for this.
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If the moment isnt an emergency or a moment when it just has to happen, if someone asks politely why not explain it. Explaining something helps them do the job better because they then understand the context in which something is happening.
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I think there is a time and a place for everything. Hopefully your leader has the trust of his subordinates, so that when he gives an order, his subordinates trust him enough so they dont have to ask why.
I agree though, sometimes you have to explain the why. Like why do we wear brown or black socks? Do we have a contract with the brown and black sock company or is it because white socks can be seen further by our enemy or that they dont blend in with the terrain making it an anomaly within the environment making it easier to spot.
If its just "because I said so" is that reason enough? or is that a lack of leadership?
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Last time I checked, we gave orders not suggestions. ;-)
If you want to talk to me about it after the fact, that's cool.
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CW2 (Join to see)
Well said, CSM. I agree completely as evidenced in my post above. I just rather the Soldier knows why. If the Soldier is told to the cut the grass, it's better if they know why (maybe a post inspection or something). Knowing the outcome will be beneficial. Selling the idea of the task is better than just forcing it on them. It tends to make them accept it. Soldiers talk, and when they do, they go "oh this is why we are doing it, I get it." whereas if they are told to just color they might say "wow, another pointless task, why are we even doing this?"
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MAJ (Join to see)
What? Everyone screen shot and save this thread! SSG Burns just conceded and admitted he was out commented. This is truly a big moment in Rally Point history.<br>
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SSG Robert Burns
Hey watch it! Why do you think I was such an advocate for pushing for the edit button? I can make it all go away!
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I think it really depends on the situation and the troopie in question. Baron Von Stueben once said that the difference between American soldiers and European soldiers was that you had to explain to Americans why you were doing something. And he meant that as a good thing. A soldiers who knows the intent and purpose of whatever they are doing is someone who is able to exercise initiative at a crucial moment to decisive purpose. It also gives them an opportunity to see the big picture and buy in to the overall end state. I try to give the "why" as much as I can. Granted there are always times when we can't do that and it simply boils down to "just do it". Of course, if the soldier is just being purposefully disrespectful, then that is a whole 'nother situation altogether.
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Part of a proper mission brief given by the mission leader should also explain the reason the mission is being done. A good leader will include subordinate leaders in the planning process for their input & also their own development. I usually ended my briefs with any questions &/or concerns & I have had regular enlisted bring up great questions & pertinent ideas that were used in the mission. My rule was no griping about the mission or it's execution unless you could produce a better alternative. I would also tell my superiors if they tasked to plan & execute a mission that it was totally mine. I would review my plans with them prior to the mission & it worked out well.
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This is where being an engaged leader will pay-off. You need to know your Soldiers, some will ask "why?" just to be obstinate or express a lack of motivation. Other Soldiers may actually be looking for your intent, to better understand what you are asking of them in order to perform well. I always try include my intent and my end state for a task. (Task, Purpose, End State) This will convey to Soldiers that you have sound reasoning for your orders so that when you don't have time to explain they will understand that you do things for a reason. If the Soldier is just being insubordinate; then by all means apply counseling and corrective actions. In combat, under fire, I have never had anyone ask me why, they just moved out. I always made a point to talk thru actions later though, assuaging any lingering "why" issues.
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Leadership is providing purpose, direction and motivation in order to accomplish a task. Leaders nowadays feel like they must explain themselves to everyone and subordinates think they're entitled to an explanation. Well, there is a chain of command for a reason and the Army is not a corporation where you can challenge authority. We are all expendable wether we like it or not and that's what makes us so successful. We cross train at every level and issue orders in order to meet the commanders' intent and execute missions accordingly, wether you are taking a hilltop or policing up a highway you signed the dotted line to join the ARMY, a military organization. This is not a politically correct, charity/welfare civilian organization .
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MSG Martinis Butler
That's the atmosphere we have created for these Soldiers. Many of these leaders feel that by explaining everything Soldiers would understand their point even if the leader doesn't believe in the reasoning themselves. Many NCO's are still struggling to break ties.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree with you Battle...NCOs never break away from that "Buddy Buddy system" and cannot separate themselves from the Joes/Janes. But Senior NCOs are afraid of making corrections out of fear that they will be seen as the "mean" NCO
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Soldiers should damn near be programmed to execute order (except of course illegal ones). Just like the original post I believe is indicating, if they question orders in garrison, they will be use to it and question orders in combat. This of course goes hand in hand with lead by example and being a standard bearer for your Soldiers
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MSG Martinis Butler
SSG Maravi,
We need more like you with that mentality. Give them an inch to ask questions you better believe those Soldiers are going to take a mile the next time.
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CW3 (Join to see)
What do you do if a Soldier doesn't understand the order? How can you execute an order you don't understand?
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